You’ve been racking up all these mitzvot (good deeds) like someone hoarding frequent flyer miles, thinking you're stacking up spiritual wealth. But then—bam!—you realize you've been sabotaging yourself by talking trash or just letting loose with reckless words. Yeah, it's like you're making money on one side but then burning it on the other without even noticing. Total zero-sum game, right?
So here’s how Mishlei (Proverbs) lays it down: there’s this dude who thinks he’s getting rich, but when it’s time to settle the accounts, it turns out he’s actually broke because all the profit he made was canceled out by the losses. Now, swap out "money" for "mitzvot" and "losses" for "bad speech," and that’s where we’re at spiritually. You could be planting all these awesome trees in Gan Eden, but instead of flourishing vineyards, you've got thorns and weeds because your mouth has been running wild.
Solomon’s like, "Yo, there are two types of people." The first are lazy—like, they can’t even bother to learn or keep up with Torah. That’s the "field of the lazy man"—nothing’s growing there but regret. Then there’s the other guy: he’s got the Torah knowledge, does good deeds, but he’s not keeping his eye on them, like leaving a gourmet meal out for the flies. In other words, he’s got all this potential but isn’t watching his mouth, and it’s wrecking his spiritual garden.
And here's where the Zohar comes in hot with the mystical wisdom. It says when someone speaks unclean words (think: gossip, insults, or just general negativity), it invites these creepy, bad vibes (spirits) that cling to those words. Then, when you try to say something holy, those bad vibes show up first and taint whatever good you were trying to do. Like having a stain on your best shirt right before a big event—you’re not going to make the impression you thought you would.
Now, Solomon also gives us the visual of a stone wall around your spiritual vineyard. You know, all the good habits, boundaries, and safeguards you've built up to protect yourself from slipping up. But if you don’t watch what leaves your lips, it’s like letting people come in and trample all over your hard work, breaking down the wall until nothing’s left. So, the advice here? Guard your words. Build that fence strong and keep it up. Your spiritual real estate depends on it!
And finally, there’s hope—Teshuva (repentance) out of love. Even if you've blown it big time, if you come back with genuine regret and love for HaShem, all those past mistakes get turned into merits. It's like flipping a negative balance into an investment. You turn what was spiritual bankruptcy into overflowing wealth.
So moral of the story: check your speech, protect your spiritual vineyard, and know that even if you mess up, Teshuva can make it all right again. You’ve got this!
Inspired by Shemirat HaLashon Book II , Chapter I
I’m inviting you to join our 40-Day Shemirat HaLashon Challenge: A Journey Toward Mindful Speech.
Why this challenge?
Because the words we speak matter. They shape our relationships, our self-worth, and our connection with HaShem. In a world filled with noise, gossip, and negativity, imagine the power of refining your speech to uplift, encourage, and create peace.
✨ Transforming our words transforms our lives—and it’s the perfect way to start the new year with intention and meaning!
Here’s why you should join:
Start fresh: It’s the beginning of the year, and this is your chance to align your speech with the highest values, setting the tone for everything that follows.
Spiritual Growth: Learn practical strategies rooted in Torah and the teachings of the sages to guard your tongue and become mindful in how you communicate.
Daily Inspiration: For 40 days, you’ll receive empowering lessons and reminders to guide you toward a deeper awareness of your words.
Connect with Sisters: You won’t be alone on this journey. You’ll have the support of other incredible women walking the same path toward mindful speech and spiritual growth.
Imagine the peace and inner strength you can cultivate by simply being mindful of the words you speak. Let’s make this new year a time of kindness, connection, and genuine change—starting with how we speak.
40 days, 1 powerful transformation. Are you in? 💫
🎯 Let’s commit together, sisters. Sign up now and let’s start the new year with words of light! 🕊️
In my book Pick Me Up HaShem, you’ll find many prayers that explore how HaShem is constantly drawing us closer to Him, inviting us into a deeper relationship through prayer and reflection. These prayers are designed to help you connect with the divine presence in a way that transcends mere requests and taps into the true purpose of prayer.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into these spiritual truths, consider studying Kabbalah, the mystical tradition that unlocks the profound secrets of our reality and draws us closer to HaShem’s divine wisdom. Delve into teachings that illuminate the “why” behind the Torah, connecting the layers of Creation in a synergized whole and offering a glimpse of HaShem in a way no other study can. From the timeless wisdom of Rabbi Chaim Vital and the Arizal to the unifying insights of Rabbi Sar-Shalom Sharabi (Rashash), Kabbalah not only transforms your spiritual understanding but also brings peace, protection, and redemption closer to our world. Sponsor my study in this sacred tradition and receive its blessings for sustenance, health, and family, ensuring that the powerful light of Kabbalah shines in your merit.
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